Story perspectives

UK House of Lords Expands Age Verification for VPNs

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The UK House of Lords voted to extend age verification to VPNs and online platforms under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, expanding the Online Safety Act.
Two amendments passed, requiring VPNs to implement age assurance and requiring user-to-user services to block under-16s from accessing those platforms.
Other more intrusive amendments were rejected, while critics warn the plan could increase privacy concerns and enable ongoing surveillance of personal devices.

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Story summary

The UK House of Lords voted to extend age verification to VPNs and online platforms under the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, expanding the Online Safety Act.
Two amendments passed, requiring VPNs to implement age assurance and requiring user-to-user services to block under-16s from accessing those platforms.
Other more intrusive amendments were rejected, while critics warn the plan could increase privacy concerns and enable ongoing surveillance of personal devices.